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The paper argues that contemporary test validity theory places the consequences of testing on the lives of all college applicants at the back of the test validation argument. It introduces the notion of test efficacy as a process to gather evidence on claims on consequences of testing on all college applicants that can be traced back to validity. The paper proposes a test efficacy framework to evaluate test efficacy claims on the impact of admission examinations on all college applicants (not just those attaining the admission standard).

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are vulnerable to COVID-19 transmission due to substance use, congregate living conditions, and underlying medical conditions. Yet, little is known about factors impacting drug use disorder among PEH during COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to identify correlates associated with substance use disorder among PEH, both those who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and those who tested negative or never tested. A cross-sectional, structured survey was administered to PEH (N = 102) who were recruited from sheltered and unsheltered settings. Descriptive analysis, t-tests, Fisher's exact test or chi-squared test, and bivariate and multiple linear regression were conducted. PEH with a COVID-19 diagnosis included male gender, and Latino race/ethnicity (p <.05). Moreover, substance use disorder scores (p -.037) and days on the street were negatively associated with COVID-19 (p <.001). Multivariable analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between days slept on the street and substance use disorder (p <.001), and a significant negative relationship with alcohol use (p <.05); COVID-19 remained negatively associated with substance use disorder, but it was not significant. This study provides evidence about correlates of drug use disorder among PEH. More studies are needed to understand successful individual and system-level strategies for reducing drug-related problems during COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Civic action describes participation in political and prosocial activities aimed at benefiting one's communities. A growing literature rooted in critical consciousness (CC) theory suggests that engaging in critical action, which challenges societal inequities, is important for the positive development of youth of color. Although valuable, existing literatures have yet to consider how psychological processes related to the immigrant experience, such as immigrant optimism (IO), may differentially influence the civic participation of immigrant youth of color. IO is a phenomenon in which immigrant groups hold higher aspirations and more positive views of the host society than their nonimmigrant peers, and this often is associated with positive outcomes. This article reviews and integrates relevant research on the civic development of immigrant youth of color, considering both how IO may be a particularly relevant process in shaping immigrant youths' CC development and how civic action may take different forms among these youth. Method: We define concepts, integrate previously siloed literatures, and make recommendations for future research. Results: We propose expanding existing frameworks to consider IO and forms of action, along with their intended outcome. Conclusions: Incorporating IO into studies of CC or civic development can clarify important differences and enhance our understanding of how best to support immigrant youth. Similarly, examining forms of action and their intended outcome may be advantageous in facilitating young immigrants' development as active and engaged members of society. Public Significance Statement: This integrative review and synthesis highlight evidence for the immigrant optimism (IO) hypothesis as a relevant but underexamined process in existing frameworks of critical consciousness and civic development. Examining IO as an antecedent to action can improve our understanding of the civic development of immigrant youth of color, whose experiences have too often been neglected. We also describe a need to consider the various forms of action in which these youth engage and the intentions youth have for engaging in these actions, which may allow researchers to draw meaningful distinctions in civic action among immigrant youth of color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine whether post-hospitalization psychological distress is associated with exercise capacity, physical function and health status in COVID-19 survivors. In this observational study, hospitalized COVID patients were included and divided into two groups according to the mental component summary subscale of the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey. Patients with a score ≤ 45 were included in the psychological distress group, and patients with a score > 45 were included in the non-psychological distress group. The main variables were exercise capacity, physical function, and health status. Patients were evaluated at discharge, 3 months, and at 6 months follow-up. Finally, a total of 60 patients were included in the study. Significant differences were found in exercise capacity, physical function, and health status (p < 0.05), with worse results in the group with psychological distress at discharge and 3 months follow-up. At 6 months after discharge, COVID patients with psychological distress exhibited worse results in exercise capacity, physical function, and health status, being significant exercise capacity and physical function (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that COVID patients with psychological distress at hospital discharge reported worse exercise capacity, physical function and health status at hospital discharge, 3 months and 6 months follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the following study was to explore the patient feedback on academic oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) practicing in the United States (US) using the physician rating website (PRW) Healthgrades.com. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on academic OMSs in the US using data from Healthgrades.com. Predictor variables included OMS characteristics or rating characteristics. The primary outcome variable was overall rating. Linear regression was used to determine independent predictors of overall rating. Results: The final study sample consisted of 309 academic OMSs (mean age, 56.4 years; males, 86.4%). Age group was significantly associated with overall rating (p = 0.034). Dual-degree OMSs had a higher mean overall rating than single-degree OMSs (4.26 vs. 3.98, p = 0.012). The number of ratings was also significantly associated with overall rating (p = 0.019). Upon controlling for all other variables, merely age group was independently associated with overall rating. Specifically, OMSs aged 41–55 years were associated with a higher overall rating (+0.96, p = 0.022) relative to OMSs aged >70 years. Conclusions: The OPRs on Healthgrades.com for academic OMSs within the US are generally positive. Age was the only independent predictor for overall rating — younger OMSs (aged 41–55 years) were independently associated with a higher overall rating relative to older OMSs (aged >70 years). The new generation of younger OMSs is likely to be aware of PRWs and their implications in the growing world of online exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among Latinx people living with HIV (PLWH), neurocognitive (NC) function, culture, and mental health impact medication adherence. Similarly, health beliefs and attitudes play a role in health care barriers and health behaviors. Research has not examined the effect that compromised neurocognition, sociocultural factors, and mental health have on health beliefs and attitudes. This is especially relevant for Latinx PLWH who are disproportionately impacted by HIV, given that sociocultural factors may uniquely impact HIV-related NC and psychological sequelae. This study investigated the associations between neurocognition, sociocultural factors, mental health, health beliefs, and health attitudes among Latinx HIV-seropositive adults. Within a sample of 100 Latinx PLWH, better verbal learning and executive functioning abilities were associated with more positive attitudes about the benefits of medications and memory for medications. In terms of sociocultural factors, higher English language competence was related to better self-reported memory for medications, and overall, higher US acculturation was associated with more positive attitudes toward health professionals. Depressive symptomatology was negatively associated with attitudes toward medications and health professionals, as well as with self-reported memory for medications. These findings highlight the important interplay between NC, sociocultural, psychological factors, and health beliefs among Latinx PLWH. Adherence intervention strategies and suggestions for dispensing medical information are presented for clinicians and health care practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Brazilian population in the United States (U.S.), a Latinx subgroup, is rapidly growing and aging but remains underrepresented in U.S. health research. In addition to group‐specific genetic and environmental risks, Brazilian immigrants and their offspring in the U.S. likely have cumulative risks for health inequities. It is estimated that 71% of Brazilian immigrants in the U.S. are undocumented, which may limit healthcare access/utilization. Furthermore, mental health is reported as a health priority by Brazilian immigrants in the U.S., and there is a lack of research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (AD/ADRD) in this population. Methods: We reviewed the scientific literature using traditional (e.g., PubMed) sources and databases generated by U.S. and Brazilian governments, as well as international organizations, and press articles. Results: This perspective review lists recommendations for researchers, health providers, and policymakers to promote greater inclusion of U.S. Brazilian populations in health research and care. The review identifies research areas in need of attention to address health inequities and promote mental/brain health in Brazilian immigrants and their offspring living in the U.S. These research areas are: 1) epidemiological studies to map the prevalence and incidence of mental/brain health conditions; 2) research on aging and AD/ADRD risk factors among Brazilian populations in the U.S.; and 3) the need for greater representation of U.S‐residing Brazilian population in other relevant research areas involving genetics, neuropathology, and clinical trials. Conclusions: The recommendation and research efforts proposed should help to pave the way for the development of community‐engagement research and to promote mental/brain health education, improvement of mental/brain health and AD/ADRD services, and the development of culturally‐informed intervention to the U.S.‐residing Brazilian communities. HIGHLIGHTS: The Brazilian population in the United States is growing but is underrepresented in U.S. health research.Approximately 71% of Brazilian immigrants in the United States are undocumented, with an increased risk for health inequities.Mental health is reported as a central health priority by Brazilian immigrants in the United States.There is a lack of research on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (ADRD) in Brazilian immigrants in the United States.Epidemiological research is needed to map the prevalence/incidence of mental health conditions and ADRD risk factors among Brazilian immigrants in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We used cultural neuropsychology‐informed procedures to derive and validate harmonized scores representing memory and language across population‐based studies in the United States and Mexico. METHODS: Data were from the Health and Retirement Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HRS‐HCAP) and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) Ancillary Study on Cognitive Aging (Mex‐Cog). We statistically co‐calibrated memory and language domains and performed differential item functioning (DIF) analysis using a cultural neuropsychological approach. We examined relationships among harmonized scores, age, and education. RESULTS: We included 3170 participants from the HRS‐HCAP (Mage = 76.6 [standard deviation (SD): 7.5], 60% female) and 2042 participants from the Mex‐Cog (Mage = 68.1 [SD: 9.0], 59% female). Five of seven memory items and one of twelve language items demonstrated DIF by study. Harmonized memory and language scores showed expected associations with age and education. DISCUSSION: A cultural neuropsychological approach to harmonization facilitates the generation of harmonized measures of memory and language function in cross‐national studies. HIGHLIGHTS: We harmonized memory and language scores across studies in the United States and Mexico.A cultural neuropsychological approach to data harmonization was used.Harmonized scores showed minimal measurement differences between cohorts.Future work can use these harmonized scores for cross‐national studies of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disclosing an HIV diagnosis to his mother may be the first step in a man's successful management of his illness, but it may also lead to added stress due to stigmatization. Analyzing data provided by 166 HIV-positive men who lived in the southeastern United States, we found that the most powerful correlate of disclosure was exposure to HIV through homosexual contact. Additionally, those who had AIDS rather than HIV and exhibited more severe symptoms were significantly more likely to have disclosed to their mothers; older and more highly educated men were significantly less likely to have done so. We discuss the implications of our findings for maternal caregiving to adult sons in middle and later life.

Shrink, accuracy, and precision of ingredient weighing are critical factors of efficiency in TMR-fed dairy systems. Those factors have been evaluated for major feeds; however, we are not aware of any reports for mineral supplement. Farms commonly mix mineral supplement with other low-inclusion ingredients into a premix which is used later as a single ingredient for TMR formulation. Our objectives were to evaluate shrink, weighing accuracy, and weighing precision of mineral supplement during premix formulation, and variation in concentration of minerals in mineral supplement and TMR, in five large dairies in the Western United States. We used the automated weight-tracking system at each farm to account for all the mineral supplement loaded into the mixing-wagon and collected samples of mineral supplement and TMR from time of mineral supplement delivery at the farm until 100% of it was consumed. Mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation (CV) for each variable were calculated with SAS 9.4. Average shrink was estimated at 2.0% for mineral supplement during storage and loading, ranging from 0.37% to 3.25%. Mineral supplement weighing deviation from the targeted amount was 1.54% on average for the five dairies with a 95% CV. Mineral composition of mineral supplements averaged 11.3%, 0.27%, and 3.16% for Ca, P, and Mg, and 215, 881, and 1533 ppm for Cu, Mn, and Zn, respectively. Mineral compositions in TMR averaged 0.84%, 0.41%, and 0.37% for Ca, P, and Mg, respectively; and 15.1, 71, and 94.5 ppm for Cu, Mn, and Zn, respectively. The CV of all minerals except Ca, were larger for mineral supplement than TMR, and with the exception of P in mineral supplement, CV of trace minerals were larger than CV values for macro minerals. Our shrink estimates for mineral supplement represent an initial approximation to this issue. Results of our weighing deviation analysis suggest some room for improvement on the precision of weighing mineral supplement at the time when premix is prepared at the farm, which could improve consistency in chemical composition of the premix and consequently reduce the variation (CV values) of mineral concentrations in TMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Latina/o immigrant parents of all residency statuses (i.e., undocumented, TPS holders, permanent residents, and U.S. citizens) rely on both internal (i.e., faith) and external (i.e., social support) sources of resilience to protect themselves and their families against the negative effects of restrictive immigration policies and practices. • Civic commitment and action (an internal and external source of resilience) was discussed more frequently as being emphasized and/or enacted by those with greater protections in terms of their residency status. • Latina/o immigrant parents of all residency statuses described being aware that the TPS and DACA programs were under threat at the time of this investigation and expressed their support for keeping these programs in place. TPS holders may have been less optimistic about the future of these programs. Research investigating associations between immigration policies and practices and indicators of mental health among Latina/o immigrant families has identified a number of risk factors for this population, such as family separation. The role of protective factors tied to the mental health of Latina/o immigrants, however, often has been neglected. This study explored internal and external sources of resilience that may protect Latina/o immigrant families against the potentially negative effects of restrictive immigration policies and practices on psychological well-being. Six focus groups (N = 50) were conducted with Latina/o immigrant parents of varying residency statuses (i.e., undocumented, permanent residents, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and U.S. citizens). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: Social Support, Faith, and Civic Commitment and Action. Across groups, Latina/o parents referenced family, peer, and community support, as well as their spiritual faith and involvement in advocacy efforts as coping mechanisms. Overall, results suggest that Latina/o immigrant parents of varying residency statuses rely on both internal and external sources of resilience to protect themselves and their families when navigating restrictive immigration policies and practices. This research is particularly timely in light of the increasingly restrictive nature of immigration policies in the U.S. and the growing literature on the influence these may have on immigrant well-being. Intervention efforts should build upon existing strengths, such as providing opportunities for Latina/o immigrant families to participate in political activism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In the United States, racial and ethnic disparities in memory dysfunction and Alzheimer disease are evident even after accounting for many risk factors. Psychological factors, such as psychological well-being, perceived control, depressive symptoms, and negative affect, may influence memory dysfunction, and associations may differ by race and ethnicity. This study examined whether psychological factors are differentially associated with episodic memory trajectories across racial and ethnic groups in the United States.Methods/design: The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), is a US-representative, longitudinal study of Medicare-eligible adults 65+ years old. Analyses of 5 years of data, included a total of 9411 participants without dementia at baseline. Adjusting for relevant covariates, a linear mixed model estimated the associations between psychological predictors and a composite of immediate and delayed trials from a word list memory test.Results: More depressive symptoms (B = -0.02), lower psychological well-being (B = 0.03), and lower perceived control (B = 0.05) were independently associated with lower initial memory. Depressive symptoms were associated with faster rate of memory decline (B = -0.01). Black (B = -0.34) and Hispanic (B = -0.28) participants evidenced lower initial memory level than whites, but only Hispanic (B = -0.04) participants evidenced faster memory decline than whites. There were no significant interactions between the psychological variables and race and ethnicity.Conclusions: Results extend previous studies showing racial and ethnic disparities in episodic memory trajectories, and the longitudinal effects of depressive symptoms on episodic memory in US samples. Epidemiological studies of cognitive aging should incorporate more psychological factors clarify cognitive decline and disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals 65 years or older will comprise an estimated 20.0% of the U.S. population by 2030. This study investigated the association between food insecurity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among an older adult population (n = 234). HRQoL was measured using Healthy Days, a validated survey tool developed by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Food-insecure individuals were more likely to report ≥14 physically unhealthy days (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 0.47-4.78) and ≥14 days with activity limitations (OR = 4.07, 95% CI 0.68-24.1). Although nonsignificant, the findings highlight food insecurity as a potentially important social determinant of health throughout the life course, including at an older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awareness about the threats posed by different types of coastal disasters has increased throughout the world, as people are exposed to the nature of these hazards through media reports on events in distant countries. This has resulted in coastal residents being aware about the destructive power of tsunamis, despite no such events having taken place in their country in recent times. Regardless of this increased awareness, it has been hypothesized that there is still need for local governments to enact adequate policies to raise the awareness of local residents, for example, by holding regular evacuation drills. The present research presents a comparative assessment of tsunami awareness in two tourist destinations in Japan and the USA, which was derived through structured questionnaire surveys of beach users in the city of Kamakura and various coastal cities in Florida. The results show how despite relatively high level of awareness tsunamis still pose a considerable risk to each of the communities, for example, due to shortcoming in evacuation knowledge and infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A literary criticism of the book "Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation" by John Phillip Santos is presented. It examines the memoir's opening of a new territory in Mexican American autobiographies genre. It explores the concept of social promise in the book to show how personal genealogy can generate an inclusive form of national belonging. It analyzes the relation of Mexican immigrants to the U.S. as depicted in the book.

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Recently, Mexican farming has shifted from a process of extensive ranching and exportation of live cattle to highly technical processes for exporting a higher quality of fresh and frozen meat. This production dynamic is reflected in the greater stake of livestock in the agri-food industry and the gross domestic product (GDP) of Mexico and its share of the United States (U.S.) market. This paper quantifies the effect of production dynamics in the domestic market and the competitiveness of fresh beef in the U.S. using the constant market share (CMS) and relative export advantage (REA) techniques. We identified a stable growth path without presenting a comparative advantage. Similarly, this dynamic has generated a substantial increase in the U.S. market share, which is generated by a growth in the target market and increased competition within the meat sector in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most, if not all, published theoretical models of capital structure decisions assume that all firms follow the same capital structure decision process or strategy. We argue that such an assumption is inconsistent with extant evidence. Instead, we argue that there is heterogeneity in the decision processes and strategies that managers follow, and that they make adaptive adjustments to their strategies that are conditioned on the choices of other firms as well as their prior choices. Using data on U.S. corporate capital structures between 1965 and 2003, we find evidence that is consistent with our proposed alternative. Our characterization of the evolution of corporate capital structures emphasizes the roles of a firm's initial capital structure and its competitors' capital structure strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arts in medicine programs have significant impacts on patients and staff in long-term care environments, but the literature lacks evidence of effectiveness on hospital units with shorter average lengths of stay.Methods: The qualitative study used individual structured interviews to assess the impacts of arts programming on job satisfaction, stress, unit culture, support, quality of care, and patient outcomes on a short-term medical-surgical unit, and used a qualitative cross comparison grounded theory methodology to analyze data.Results: The study confirmed that arts programming can positively affect unit culture, nursing practice, and quality of care on short-stay medical-surgical units. Significant insights related to nursing practice and the art program were found, including that music can cause negative distraction for staff.Conclusions: While positive impacts of arts programming on the medical-surgical environment are clear, potential negative effects also need to be considered in the development of practice protocols for artists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on how a Chicana/Latina professor contributed to the development of social consciousness with Spanish bilingual credential candidates in a Teacher Education Multiple Subject Credential Program, in California, USA. As a teacher educator, my goals were to look deeply at my teaching approach and to evaluate what the students and I were learning from the structure and contents of this course that emphasized issues on Latinos in the USA. The aims for evaluating my teaching both on theoretical and practice levels were to provide insights into the potential tensions in teaching a highly political course within Teacher Education, to explore implications for faculty in Teacher Education, and to investigate how bilingual Teacher Education programs can prepare future teachers to question and challenge inequities in school settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States is erupting over issues surrounding immigration and acculturation. Those who are neither “white” nor native English-speaking in the United States are lumped into a category of “other.” Young “others” are caught in this war and are forced to consider how they fit into the so-called national identity. This marginalization is a challenge for all who are “other” in the United States and is even more stupefying for children. Given the national tension and fear regarding immigration leading to the 2006 $1 billion Congress authorization of an illegal-immigrant protection fence along the United States–Mexico border, this article examines the goals and outcomes of theatrical productions that claim to celebrate bilingualism and multiculturalism. Through an analysis ofGo, Diego, Go Live!and other recently staged Nickelodeon television shows featuring “other” child characters, the article further explores questions such as: How does a country reconcile its hostility toward immigration with its desire to capitalize on marketing Latino/a cartoon characters to children? [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We develop a macroeconomic model with an imperfectly competitive bank-loans market and collateral constraints that tie investors' credit capacity to the value of their real estate holdings. Lending margins are optimally set by banks and have a significant effect on aggregate variables. Over the long run, stronger banking competition increases output by triggering a reallocation of available collateral towards investors. In the short-run, output, credit and housing prices are more responsive on impact to shocks in an environment of highly competitive banks. Also, stronger banking competition implies higher (lower) persistency of credit and output after a monetary (credit crunch) shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reconsider the job design theory of Holmstrom and Milgrom to include career concerns. When agents are motivated by their reputation, the discretion to pursue outside activities plays an integral part in the incentive scheme. Discretion can be a useful instrument to enhance incentives and prevent the adverse selection of low-ability agents. We argue that these synergies are useful in explaining, among other examples, the employment of US faculty members and of physicians in dual health care systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One sixth of US dialysis patients 65 years of age have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF). Little is known, however, about the incidence of AF in this population. We identified 258 605 older patients (≽67 years of age) with fee-for-service Medicare initiating dialysis in 1995 to 2007, who had not been diagnosed with AF within the previous 2 years. Patients were followed for newly diagnosed AF. Multivariable proportional hazard regression was used to examine temporal trends and associations of race and ethnicity with incident AF. We also studied temporal trends in the mortality and risk of ischemic stroke after new AF. Over 514 395 person-years of follow-up, 76 252 patients experienced incident AF for a crude AF incidence rate of 148/1000 person-years. Incidence of AF increased by 11% (95% confidence interval, 5-16) from 1995 to 2007. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, blacks (-30%), Asians (-19%), Native Americans (-42%), and Hispanics (-29%) all had lower rates of incident AF. Mortality after incident AF decreased by 22% from 1995 to 2008. Even more pronounced reductions were seen for incident ischemic stroke during these years. The incidence of AF is high in older patients initiating dialysis in the United States and has been increasing over the 13 years of study. Mortality declined during that time but remained >50% during the first year after newly diagnosed AF. Because data on warfarin use were not available, we were unable to study whether trends toward better outcomes could be explained by higher rates of oral anticoagulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conduct experiments to test the collective action dilemmas associated with defensive and proactive counterterror strategies. Defensive policies are associated with creating public 'bads' (e.g., a commons) whereas proactive policies are akin to the voluntary provision of public goods. When combined, the inefficiency of collective action is exacerbated, resulting in a situation known as a Prisoner's Dilemma squared (PD). Deterministic versus probabilistic equivalent versions of the associated externalities are compared within a laboratory setting. Experimental results reveal that the collective action problem associated with counterterror strategies is deepened in uncertain environments, and is indeed a robust regularity that is not easily overcome; as individuals gain more experience, they become even more self-interested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study related to the development of a molecular diagnostic marker for the identification of Scirthrips dorsalis (S. dorsalis), an invasive pest. It further informs that Scirthrips pose a potential threat to the U.S. agriculture and trade with an estimated loss of 5.98 billion dollar upon chilli thrips infestation. It mentions that several molecular techniques have been developed for species diagnosis due to their minute size and cryptic behavior.

Abstract: An evolutionary game-theoretic model is employed to address three essential aspects of whistle blowing: ethical decision making, the duality of mutual accountability among cohorts in large organizations, and role conflict between individual and organizational values. I derive an equilibrium condition relating the treatment of whistle blowers to the punishment of violators. The model facilitates an evaluation of the whistle blowing provisions in the Sarbanes–Oxley (2002) Act. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to examine the flow velocity pattern of the brachial artery and to determine its relationship to measures of physical function. Subjects from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (n = 95; age = 84 +/- 10 years) were evaluated. Brachial artery flow velocities and dimensions were measured using high-resolution ultrasonography. The continuous scale of physical function and performance test (CS-PFP10) was used to assess physical function. This test is based on the performance of 11 activities of daily living. Total CS-PFP10 score was 39.51 +/- 21.21 U. Mean antegrade and retrograde velocities at rest were 14.2 +/- 4.7 and 3.6 +/- 2.2 cm/s, respectively. Ante-/retrograde ratio was 5.5 +/- 4.6. Brachial artery diameter was 4.3 +/- 0.7 mm. Pulse pressure and vascular conductance were 66 +/- 18 mmHg, and 0.9 +/- 0.5 ml/min/mmHg, respectively. Vascular conductance (r = -0.34), ante-/retrograde ratio (r = -0.42) and CS-PFP10 (r = -0.65) were inversely and retrograde velocity (r = 0.40) and pulse pressure (r = 0.36), were directly associated with age. Retrograde velocity was inversely related to vascular conductance (r = -0.27) and CS-PFP10 total score (r = -0.45). A MANOVA revealed that those with the higher CS-PFP10 scores had a lower retrograde velocity (P = 0.0001), but this association was, in part, age-dependent. Among nonagenarians (n = 52), those in the lower tertiles of the CS-PFP10 scores had significantly higher retrograde velocities compared to those in the higher tertiles (P = 0.035). These data indicate an increase in brachial retrograde velocity with age. These hemodynamic changes are related to a decline in physical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most analyses of US congressional votes on trade policy identify political and economic factors, and general economic conditions as significant factors. In this paper we examine whether simulated state-level impacts of trade policy changes obtained from an applied general equilibrium model explain recent US Senate votes on trade bills. We find that simulated gross state product effects are good predictors of recent trade-policy votes. Our model-based measures of trade sensitivity perform slightly better in statistical terms than the more traditional economic measures. For the Senate as a whole, import considerations have a larger impact on senate voting than export considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialized academic programs have developed over the last several decades to provide technical and managerial expertise to students anticipating careers as environmental health professionals. A challenge facing many of the graduates from these programs will be working with colleagues prepared in a variety of countries and cultures. A challenge facing environmental health educators is ensuring that their graduates have the necessary abilities to meet complex professional challenges, including the possession of leadership skills for addressing global-scale environmental problems. Through application of a survey, we sought to gain understanding of the preparation of environmental health students in Costa Rica and in the United States in terms of their (1) knowledge of key global environmental problems, (2) attitudes about the severity of specific environmental issues, (3) attitudes about the role of the environmental health professional, and (4) attitudes about skills needed to be successful as professionals responsible for worker health and safety. We found that these two groups of students generally shared professional identities and ideals but that neither had a high level of understanding of global environmental problems. The environmental health workforce being prepared through these structured academic programs has excellent potential for multi-national collaboration through their sharing of many professional values and skills; however, their ability to serve effectively as leaders addressing large-scale environmental issues is problematic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the importance of daily calibration or verification is stressed, even though some manufacturers state that their devices do not require such controls. It mentions that ambient conditions are often different from those in which the equipment is stored and calibrated, such as the pulmonary function laboratory; and also mentions that patient identification has important legal significance.

What is the effect of political violence on the production of coca in the Central Andes? Does U.S. military aid reduce the amount of drugs that originate from this region? What other factors help explain the production of coca? Are the effects of U.S. military aid the same across the Andean nations? This paper tests the effects of political violence and U.S. military aid in the drug producing nations of Colombia, Bolivia and Peru. Our results are consistent with existing literature that emphasizes the obstacles that governments face as they attempt to suppress markets for prohibited goods. Our comparative analysis sheds new light on the limitations of the current U.S. policy, particularly in Colombia, where political violence has strengthened the global drug trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the 2002 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, signed by U.S. President George W. Bush, focusing on policy and distribution of funds to public schools. Proponents of the act claim that it aims to close the achievement gap by holding school districts and states accountable, encouraging the use of flexible educational approaches, and supporting parents' rights to school choice. However, one question arises about the means by which the U.S. administration's public school agenda attempts to deliver this "high quality education." Analysis of the current legislation from the perspective of equity, educational access, and social justice, warrants an exploration of the distribution of NCLB funding and the requirements imposed upon low-income schools. The neoconservatives are supporting a strong state that promotes conservative policies, a strong defense, deregulation, and limited social services funding. The neoliberals seem to be committed to free markets, individual choice, and expansion of consumerism. The present government represents the ideological and economical interests of a conservative modernization coalition.

Presents a study which examined how game theory has been applied in the literature of terrorism in the U.S. Foundation of the anti-terrorism policy in the country; Paradoxes in the game-theoretic approach to terrorist attacks; Comparison of the proactive and reactive anti-terrorism policies of the U.S. government.

Les performances académiques et de tests psychologiques de 836 enfants mexicains–américains ont été étudiées sur une période de quatre ans. Ces enfants, âgés de 6 à 12 ans, vivaient dans une ville rurale de Californie à prédominance Hispanique. Les moyennes des résultats sur les tests psychologiques étaient à l’intérieur d’une déviation standard des normes nationales. Les résultats académiques (lecture, mathématiques et langue) étaient en dessous de la moyenne nationale, bien que à l’intérieur d’une déviation standard des résultats de l’État de Californie. Des régressions hiérarchiques multiples ont été réalisées avec les variables démographiques (langue de l’enfant, langue de la maison, statut d’immigrant, et niveau de pauvreté) et les résultats des tests psychologiques afin de prédire la performance future sur le “CAT”. Les résultats du test “Coding and Digit Span” se sont révélés les meilleurs indicateurs et étaient meilleurs que les variables démographiques pour cette population. Performance in psychological tests and academic achievement over four years was examined for 836 Mexican–American children aged 6 to 12 years living in a rural and predominantly Hispanic town in California. Mean scores on tests were within one standard deviation of national norms. Reading, math, and language scores were below the national average, but they remained within one standard deviation of the state’s population’s scores. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted for both demographic variables (child’s language, household language, migrant status, and poverty level) and psychological test scores. Demographic variables and psychological test scores were used to predict later test performance on the CAT. Test scores for Coding and Digit Span were the best predictors and were better than these demographic variables for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the electric power industry restructuring in the U.S. Changes in fundamental principles underlying reliable electric power service; Cause of service interruptions; Concerns on highly volatile wholesale electricity prices.

Presents a study on a first-grade two-way Spanish-immersion classroom in Northern California striving to initiate a transformative educational experience among Latino students. Statement of the problem; Background of the study; Research design; Findings on the analysis of voice; Information on qualities that contribute to critical consciousness.

This article reports that intermarriage has been frequently used as an indicator of a group's status and position in American society. The rate of a group's intermarriage can indicate the location of that group in a hypothetical social distance map of American ethnic diversity. Research on racial and ethnic intermarriage in the United States has focused primarily on its incidence; on comparisons of rates of various groups, across time or by locale; on the association of demographic factors, such as education and social class, and intermarriage; and to a lesser degree, on the description and analysis of marital life and societal experiences of intermarried people. From several studies of marriages of American servicemen stationed overseas and their non-American wives, several additional insights are drawn. Sociopsychological investigation of Chicano intermarriage is virtually nonexistent. Language maintenance, religious orientation, ethnic label preference and child rearing practices, for example, have hardly been analyzed.

Reports developments in trade relations between the U.S. and China. Renewal of China's status for Most-Favored Nation (MFN) duty treatment; Provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade concerning the recognition of MFN; Views of U.S. policymakers on the renewal of China's MFN status.

Presents a paper on the economic consequences of the United States restrictions on trade in their local waters transportation services. United States policy on Cabotage; Effects of Jones Act on the welfare, production, trade and employment in in the upstream and downstream sector.

The article discusses aspects of the assimilation process went through by Mexican Americans in the U.S. According to the author, the identity of Mexican Americans remains to be Mexican in spite of national government, media and academic promotions with labels such as "Chicano," "Hispanic" or "Spanish-speaker." In addition, the author has observed that social institutions in the U.S. continue to be marginally open and responsive to Mexican Americans.

This study aims to discover what realia concerning Hispanic culture are found in several Spanish textbooks frequently used in high school classes. The character of these realia determines what supplementary material needs to be presented in class so as to offer a balanced picture of Hispanic culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]